Arsenal vs Newcastle preview: Gordon absent again for Toon as Gunners look to extend lead at top

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe has confirmed that Anthony Gordon will miss Sunday's highly anticipated Premier League clash at the Emirates Stadium, marking the third consecutive match the talented winger has been sidelined through injury.

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Gordon, who has been instrumental in Newcastle's impressive campaign, suffered a hamstring issue in the warm-up before the club's recent Merseyside fixture. His absence continues to pose a significant tactical challenge for the Magpies as they seek to arrest a concerning slide in form that has seen them win just two of their last seven league matches.

The 23-year-old's latest setback comes at a particularly inopportune moment, with Howe revealing after Friday's training session that scans had confirmed the injury would require continued recovery time. "Anthony is making good progress but we need to be patient with him," Howe told assembled media. "He's a player we desperately want back, but we won't risk him until he's fully ready."

Arsenal, meanwhile, head into the fixture sitting second in the Premier League table, just three points behind leaders Liverpool with a game in hand. Mikel Arteta's side demonstrated their championship credentials with a dominant 3-0 victory in their most recent home fixture, with Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli both finding the net in a commanding performance.

The Gunners have been particularly formidable at the Emirates this season, losing just once in 13 Premier League matches on home soil. Their defensive record has been exemplary, conceding only eight goals in those fixtures, while their attacking output has been equally impressive with 32 goals scored.

Newcastle's injury concerns extend beyond Gordon, with manager Howe also ruling out center-back Sven Botman and midfielder Joe Willock for the London fixture. The Magpies did receive a boost however with the return to training of Brazilian international Bruno Guimarães, who could feature after missing recent matches.

The fixture carries added significance given the competitive nature of the title race, with Arsenal knowing that victory would narrow the gap at the summit as Liverpool prepare to face Manchester City later in the weekend. Arteta is expected to name an unchanged side from the team that secured last weekend's victory, with goalkeeper David Raya set to continue between the posts despite strong competition from Aaron Ramsdale.